Ms Siddiq resigned earlier this yr over accusations she illegally obtained a plot of land in a brand new high-end improvement on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister final yr.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption fee (ACC) claims the Labour MP obtained a 7,200sq ft plot within the diplomatic zone by way of “abuse of power and influence”.
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Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
The report within the Each day Telegraph mentioned that if the MP refuses to attend courtroom in Bangladesh on 11 August, a trial will likely be held in her absence.
It’s understood she won’t be on the courtroom then.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyer mentioned: “For nearly a year now, the Bangladesh authorities have been making false allegations against Tulip Siddiq.
“Ms Siddiq has not been contacted or obtained any official communication from the courtroom and doesn’t and has by no means owned any plot of land in Purbachal.
“This longstanding politically motivated smear campaign has included repeated briefings to the media, a refusal to respond to formal legal correspondence, and a failure to seek any meeting with or question Ms Siddiq during the recent visit by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the United Kingdom.
“Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the requirements of a good, lawful, and credible investigation.
“In light of these facts, it is now time for the Chief Adviser and the ACC to end this baseless and defamatory effort to damage Ms Siddiq’s reputation and obstruct her work in public service.”
The ACC and Professor Yunus’ press secretary have been contacted for a remark.
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‘Depart me alone’: MP tells Bangladeshi authorities
Final month, Ms Siddiq accused Bangladesh’s interim chief, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Muhammad Yunus, of conducting an “orchestrated campaign” to break her popularity and “interfere with UK politics”.
The interim chief, who took over after Ms Hasina was ousted final yr following violent protests, mentioned Ms Siddiq “has so many (sic) wealth left behind here” and “should be made responsible”.
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Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of rigging elections and interfering with the judicial system. Pic: AP/ Yomiuri Shimbun
Professor Yunus’ press secretary mentioned he and the ACC “has no reason and scope to interfere in UK politics”.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony,” they mentioned.
